1941 Storm 1
31510 09/11/1941 M= 6 1 SNBR= 695 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0
31510 09/11/1941 M= 6 1 SNBR= 695 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
*
31515 09/11* 0 0 0 0*270 872 35 0*275 877 35 0*277 879 35 0*
31515 09/11*271 867 25 0*274 872 30 0*277 877 35 0*280 881 35 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ***
31520 09/12*279 882 35 0*280 884 35 0*280 888 35 0*279 895 35 0*
31520 09/12*283 885 40 0*283 888 40 1001*281 891 45 0*280 893 50 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** **** *** *** ** *** *** **
31525 09/13*279 904 40 1003*280 912 40 0*281 918 40 0*283 922 40 0*
31525 09/13*279 896 50 0*280 899 45 0*281 902 45 1001*283 908 40 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** **** ***
31530 09/14*286 925 40 0*289 928 40 0*292 932 40 0*294 935 40 0*
31530 09/14*285 916 40 0*287 925 40 1002*291 932 35 1004*294 936 30 0*
*** *** *** *** **** *** ** **** *** **
31535 09/15*296 938 40 0*297 940 35 0*298 943 35 0*299 949 35 0*
31535 09/15*296 940 30 1006*297 943 30 1007*298 945 25 1007*299 949 25 1007*
*** ** **** *** ** **** *** ** **** ** ****
31540 09/16*300 957 25 0*300 964 20 0*299 972 15 0*296 979 15 0*
31540 09/16*298 956 25 1007*298 963 20 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** **** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** **
31545 TS
US tropical storm impact:
9/13/1941 - 35 kt winds analyzed on coast of Louisiana between the mouth of
the Mississippi River and the mouth of the Atchafalaya River. (Cyclone
weakened to a depression by the time of landfall.)
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this
tropical storm. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review,
USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, the Original Monthly Records
from NCDC, the USWB operational advisories (advisories), Dunn and Miller
(1960), and Connor (1956).
September 10: HWM analyzes a spot low (no closed isobars) near 25.5N, 89W.
HURDAT does not yet list a system on this day. The MWR tracks of lows first
shows a position near 26.5N, 86W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z does not analyze any
features of interest. No gales or low pressures.
September 11: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb near 27N,
89W. HURDAT lists this as a tropical storm with 35 kt winds at 27.5N, 87.7W
at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 27N, 86W (am) with a
pressure of 1012mb and at 28N, 87W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed
low of at most 1011 mb centered near 28.1N, 87.7W. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: 33 kt around ~19Z at Port Eads, LA
(29.0N, 89.2W) (advisories). "The first tropical disturbance of the 1941
hurricane season appeared in the northern Gulf of Mexico on the evening of
September 11" (MWR). "A Gulf disturbance of slight intensity appeared on the
morning of September 11, and was centered at 7 am (times mentioned are in EST
unless otherwise indicated) about 120 miles southeast of Port Eads, La. The
center moved very slowly in a west-northwesterly direction toward the north
Texas coast and moved inland, between Galveston and Port Arthur, the night of
September 14-15, resulting in a series of squalls at Port Arthur" (MWR).
"Date...Sept. 11-15. Place where first reported...About 120 miles southeast of
Port Eads, La." (MWR).
September 12: HWM indicates a tropical storm with a pressure of at most 1005
mb near 26.6N, 88.8W. HURDAT lists this as a tropical storm with 35 kt winds
at 28N, 88.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 27N, 88W
(am). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1005 mb near 28.2N,
88.9W. Ship highlights: 30 kt SSW with 1005 mb at 0000Z at 28.6N, 88.5W
(COA); 15 kt S with 1003 mb at 06Z at 28.5N, 88.9W (COA); 52 kt E with a
pressure of 1005 mb at 28.3N, 88.5W at 1830Z (USWB). Station highlights: 30
kt NE with 1007 mb at 06Z at Burrwood, LA (29.0N, 89.4W).
September 13: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1005 mb
near 27.8N, 90.4W. HURDAT lists this as a tropical storm with 40 kt winds at
28.1N, 91.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 27N, 90W (am)
and at 27N, 91W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1002
mb centered near 28.1N, 90.0W. Ship highlights: 35 kt E with a pressure of
1003 mb at 28.4N, 88.7W at 00Z (COA); 45kt ESE with a pressure of 1003 mb at
28.2N, 88W at 0030Z (USWB); 20 kt N with 1003 mb at 12Z at 28.1N, 90.3W (ship
experienced max wind of 35 kt ENE) (MWR). Station highlights: 30 kt E with
1005 mb at 06Z at Burrwood, LA (USWB); 35 kt SE at 1830Z at Grand Isle, LA
(29.3N, 90.0W) (USWB). "The lowest barometer reported during the short 5-day
course of this storm, 1002.7mb accompanied by a force 8 wind (Beaufort
scale), came from a ship near 28°06'N, 90°18'W, on September 13" (MWR). "The
storm was sufficiently threatening on the 13th for warnings to be issued to
people in low-lying areas; but during the last 24 hours before it crossed the
coast it decreased greatly in intensity and no property damage or injuries
were reported" (MWR). "Maximum wind velocity reported...Force 8 ENE, a ship.
Lowest barometer reported...1002.7 mb. Coast lines crossed...Texas. Place of
dissipation...East Texas coast. Intensity...Not of hurricane intensity.
Remarks...No property damage or injuries reported" (MWR).
September 14: HWM indicates a tropical storm of at most 1010 mb centered near
28.5N, 94.1W. HURDAT lists this as a tropical storm with 40 kt winds at
29.2N, 93.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 28N, 92W (am)
and at 29N, 94W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1005
mb near 28.9N, 93.0W. Ship highlights: 30 kt N with 1008 mb at 00Z at 28.4N,
92.4W (COA); 15 kt S with a pressure of 1003 mb at 28.4N, 92.2W at 0630Z
(USWB). Station highlights: 29 kt NE (max w/1-min) at Port Arthur (29.9N,
93.9W) at 1430Z (OMR); 1008 mb (min p) at 2230Z at Port Arthur (OMR). "On
the coast the highest wind velocity registered was 31 miles per hour from the
east at Port Arthur and the lowest barometer 1007.5mb at 4:30pm (CST) on the
14th at the same station. Rainfall for the 2-day period (14-15) at Port
Arthur was 1.52 inches" (MWR).
September 15: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1010 mb
near 29.2N, 94.6W. HURDAT lists this as a tropical storm with 35 kt winds at
29.8N, 94.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29.5N, 94.5W
(am) with a pressure of 1007 mb. Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of
at most 1008 mb centered near 29.4N, 94.4W. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: 28 kt E (1-min) at Port Arthur at 0930Z
(MWR/OMR).
September 16: HWM suggests a weak open trough near 29.5N, 96.5W. HURDAT
lists this as a 15 kt tropical depression at 29.9N, 97.2W. Microfilm at 12Z
analyzes a thunderstorm symbol (but not a closed low) near 29.5N, 96.5W at
12Z. No gales or low pressures.
A tropical cyclone is analyzed to have formed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico
around 00Z on 11 September (genesis six hours earlier than originally). A 25
kt intensity is analyzed at that time. The cyclone moved west-northwestward
until it reached 28.3N, 88.5W at 00Z on the 12th. Then it moved due westward,
reaching 28.3N, 90.8W at 18Z on the 13th. On the 11th and 12th, all track
changes are half a degree or less. The cyclone is analyzed to have attained
tropical storm intensity at 12Z on the 11th (6 hours later than originally).
The USWB advisory on this tropical cyclone issued at 20Z on the 11th stated
that Port Eads, LA had recently reported winds of 38 mph [33 kt]. At 00Z on
the 12th, a ship recorded 30 kt with a simultaneous pressure of 1005 mb. A
peripheral pressure of 1005 mb suggests winds of greater than 34 kt according
to the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Another ship at
00Z on the 12th recorded the first gale (35 kt). A 40 kt intensity is
analyzed for 00Z on the 12th (up from 35 kt originally). A 1001 mb central
pressure is added to HURDAT at 06Z on the 12th based on a ship observation of
1003 mb with 15 kt winds inside the RMW. This pressure equals 42 kt
according to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. At 1830Z on the
12th, a ship on the microfilm map at 28.3N, 88.5W reported a wind speed of 52
kt (60 mph). Connor mentions 64 kt ships SE of the mouth of the Mississippi
River and estimates a lowest lifetime pressure of 996 mb for this cyclone.
Due to the good observational coverage in the area of that 52 kt ship and
throughout the whole area around the storm, a peak lifetime intensity of 50
kt is analyzed from 18Z on the 12th - 00Z on the 13th (raised from the original
peak lifetime intensity of 40 kt from 00Z on the 13th - 00Z on the 15th).
Given the reports that Connor mentioned, it is possible that the cyclone was
stronger, but with no additional substantiation, the system is not upgraded
to a hurricane. The 1003 mb central pressure originally listed in HURDAT at
00Z on the 13th is removed because a ship observed 1003 mb simultaneously with
45 kt at that time. The largest track change for the entire lifetime of the
cyclone is implemented at 12Z on the 13th - a 1.6 degree eastward adjustment.
Observations at that time indicate a position of 28.1N, 90.2W with a central
pressure of 1001 mb, and this value is added to HURDAT at 12Z on the 13th. A
1001 mb central pressure equals 42 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-
wind relationship. At 1830Z on the 13th, a 35 kt gale was recorded at Grand
Isle, LA when the cyclone was located about 45 nm south of the coast of
Louisiana. A ship located just a couple nm off the coast at 29.0N, 90.7W
also recorded 35 kt at 1830Z on the 13th. Based on these observations,
Louisiana is analyzed to have received a 35 kt tropical storm impact on 13
September on the coastline between the mouth of the Mississippi River and the
mouth of the Atchafalaya River. The cyclone, however, did not make landfall
in the Louisiana coast. On the 14th, it moved west-northwestward and weakened
over water over the northwest Gulf of Mexico. In fact, no more gales were
observed after 1830Z on the 13th. The last 30 kt wind occurred at 00Z on the
14th. Central pressures of 1002 and 1004 mb are analyzed and added to HURDAT
at 06 and 12Z on the 14th. These values equal 39 and 35 kt, respectively,
according to the weakening subset of the north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. Intensities of 40 and 35 kt are chosen for 06 and 12Z on the
14th. After 06Z on the 14th, the largest track change is only 0.3 degrees.
The cyclone is analyzed to have weakened to a 30 kt tropical depression at
18Z on the 14th (30 hours earlier than originally - a major change). The
cyclone made landfall at 03Z on the 15th at 29.6N, 94.1W - it passed between
Galveston and Port Arthur. The highest wind recorded on land, after
converting to 10m 1-min was 27 kt at Port Arthur. The lowest pressure from a
land station was 1007.5 mb at Port Arthur. The analyzed landfall intensity
is 30 kt and the analyzed landfall central pressure is approximately 1006 mb.
From 00Z on the 15th through 00Z on the 16th, central pressures of 1006, 1007,
1007, 1007, and 1007 mb are analyzed and added to HURDAT. The 1006 mb
central pressure at landfall equals 32 kt according to the north of 25N
pressure-wind relationship. After landfall, the cyclone moved due west and
the center passed over Houston around 22Z on the 15th with a 25 kt intensity.
Dissipation is analyzed after 06Z on the 16th (12 hours earlier than
originally) at 29.8N, 96.3W as a 20 kt tropical depression.
*******************************************************************************
1941 Storm 2
31550 09/16/1941 M=10 2 SNBR= 696 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
31550 09/17/1941 M=11 2 SNBR= 696 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=3
** **
The 16th is removed from HURDAT
31555 09/16* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*257 836 35 0*255 845 35 0*
31560 09/17*252 854 35 0*250 863 35 0*247 871 40 0*246 880 45 0*
31560 09/17* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*237 880 25 0*246 885 30 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** **
31565 09/18*248 889 50 0*254 895 60 0*259 896 65 0*260 893 70 0*
31565 09/18*253 890 30 0*257 895 35 0*259 896 35 0*260 893 40 0*
*** *** ** *** ** ** **
31570 09/19*260 889 70 0*258 886 75 0*256 883 75 0*253 881 75 0*
31570 09/19*260 890 45 0*258 888 50 0*255 886 55 0*252 885 55 0*
*** ** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31575 09/20*249 880 80 0*245 878 80 0*241 876 80 0*234 876 80 0*
31575 09/20*248 884 55 0*245 882 60 0*241 880 60 0*236 877 60 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
31580 09/21*230 882 80 0*234 887 80 0*240 892 80 0*244 896 80 0*
31580 09/21*233 879 60 0*238 882 65 0*244 887 70 0*248 893 70 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31585 09/22*249 900 80 0*254 907 75 0*259 916 75 0*263 926 75 0*
31585 09/22*251 901 75 0*254 909 80 0*259 919 85 0*263 929 90 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** ** *** **
31590 09/23*266 937 75 0*271 946 70 0*277 953 70 0*283 955 70 0*
31590 09/23*267 939 95 0*272 948 100 0*277 953 105 0*283 955 110 0*
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** ***
31595 09/24*290 955 60 977*298 954 55 0*316 947 45 0E343 927 35 0*
31595 09/24*290 956 85 0*298 956 65 0*315 949 40 0*335 932 35 0*
*** ** *** ** *** *** ** **** ***
31600 09/25E369 909 35 0E395 882 35 0E422 855 30 0E445 828 30 0*
31600 09/25*360 911 35 989E388 887 35 988E424 859 40 985E449 826 50 0*
**** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
The 26th and 27th are new to HURDAT
31602 09/26E476 789 55 0E503 747 50 0E530 705 45 0E556 675 45 0*
31603 09/27E582 660 45 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31605 HRCTX3
31605 HRCTX3BTX2
****
U.S. Landfall: 9/23/1941 - 22Z - 28.8N, 95.6W - 100 kt - 958 mb - 1007 mb OCI
- 250 nm ROCI - 20 nm RMW
Minor track changes and major intensity changes are analyzed for this
hurricane that made landfall in Texas. A major alteration is made with
genesis, delayed for a day. A major change is also made to the timing of
dissipation, delayed for a day. Evidence for these alterations comes from
the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather
Review, USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, Original Monthly Records
from NCDC, monthly climatological data summaries from NCDC, U.S. Weather
Bureau operational advisories, Dunn and Miller (1960), Ellis (1988), Schwerdt
et al. (1979), Ho et al. (1987), Jarrell et al. (1992) and Connor (1956).
September 16: HWM indicates a spot low near 24N, 86W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical storm with 35kt winds at 25.7N, 83.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No
gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 17: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1010mb
near 25N, 86W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical storm with 40kt winds at
24.7N, 87.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 18: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 24.9N, 89.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with
65kt winds at 25.9N, 89.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at
25.5N, 89W (am) with a pressure of 1006mb. Ship highlights: No gales or low
pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "This hurricane was
first noted as a disturbance of slight intensity about 180 miles south of
Port Eads, La., on September 18. For 48 hours the center drifted gradually
southward toward the Yucatan coast with winds increasing to gale force"
(MWR). "Date...Sept. 18-26. Place where first reported...About 180 miles south
of Port Eads, La" (MWR).
September 19: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1000mb
near 25N, 88.9N. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 75kt winds
at 25.6N, 88.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 25N, 88W
(am) with a pressure of 1003mb. Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at
mosr 999 mb centered near 25.5N, 89.0W. Ship highlights: 40kt SE with a
pressure of 1003mb at 25.5N, 88W at 1230Z (USWB); 40 kt SE with 1000 mb at
1830Z at 26.0N, 89.0W (USWB). Station highlights: No gales and low pressures.
September 20: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1000mb
near 24N, 88.3W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 80kt winds
at 24.1N, 87.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 24.5N,
88.5W (am) and at 23N, 88W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of
at most 1002 mb centered near 23.9N, 88.4W. Ship highlights: 35kt ENE with a
pressure of 1002mb at 24.9N, 87.7W at 20Z with a max wind of 50 kt E (MWR).
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "During the night of September
20-21 the storm turned, and moving northward retraced its path until, on the
evening observation of the 21st, it was again near the regions where first
detected" (MWR).
September 21: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 990mb near
24N, 89W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 80kt winds at 24N,
89.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 23N, 90W (am) and at
24N, 91W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 1002 mb
centered in the general vicinity of 23.8N, 88.9W. Ship highlights: 993 mb at
09Z at 24.2N, 88.4W and 70kt at or near 09Z at or near 24.2N, 88.4W (USWB);
45kt E with a pressure of 999mb at 25.3N, 87W at 1230Z (USWB). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. "Eastern Sun - (24.15-88.25) 4am -
passed through center of storm - force 12 (no directions given) - barometer
29.32 ([9]92[.]9mb)" (USWB).
September 22: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 990mb near
25.5N, 92W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 75kt winds at
25.9N, 91.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 25N, 92W (am)
and at 26N, 94W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 993
mb centered near 26.1N, 91.9W. Ship highlights: 30 kt NW with 991 mb at 21Z
at 26.8N, 94.1W (MWR); 55kt W with a pressure of 999mb at 26.6N, 94.5W (no
time given) (USWB); 70 kt NE before 2359Z in the vicinity of 27.1N, 93.7W
(MWR). Station highlights: 22 kt NE with 1005 mb at 22Z at Corpus Christi NAS
(27.7N, 97.3W) (OMR); 37 kt NE around ~2330Z at Port Arthur (29.9N, 93.9W)
(OMR). "A ship near 27°06' N, 93°42' W, on September 22 reported a northeast
wind, force 12, and a low barometer reading of 985.8mb. On the coast, Texas
City reported the highest recorded wind velocity, 83 miles per hour.
Estimated winds up to 100 miles per hour came from several points nearer the
storm center" (MWR).
September 23: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 985mb near
27.1N, 95.3W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 70kt winds at
27.7N, 95.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 28N, 95.5W
(am) with a pressure of 985mb and at 29N, 95W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z
analyzes a closed low of at most 987 mb centered near 27.4N, 95.3W. Ship
highlights: 40 kt E with a pressure of 986mb at 27.1N, 93.7W at 00Z (MWR,
USWB); 20kt WSW with a pressure of 986mb at 26.7N, 94.6W at 01Z (USWB); 70kt
S with a pressure of 1000mb at 28.7N, 94W at 18Z (MWR). Station highlights:
42 kt SE around ~1930Z at Galveston (OMR); 52 kt at Port Aransas (27.8N,
97.1W) (Connor); 991 mb at Port Lavaca (28.6N, 96.6W) at 22Z (Connor); 977 mb
at Matagorda (28.7N, 96.0W) at 2225Z (USWB). "It then took a northwestward
course through the western Gulf of Mexico and moved inland on the Texas coast
near Matagorda at 3:25pm (CST) on September 23" (MWR). "Recurving to the
northeastward after crossing the Texas coast the storm center passed slightly
west of Houston. The lowest pressure registered along the path of the
hurricane, 970.5mb, was observed at Houston Airport at 11:08pm of the 23rd.
The passage of the low pressure was accompanied by winds estimated at 75
miles per hour; a recorded velocity becoming impossible because of power
failure" (MWR). "Tropical cyclones in Texas, Sept. 23, Matagorda, Minimal, 4
killed, damage $6,000,000" (minimal is equivalent to winds of 74-100 mph and
central pressure 983-996 mb - Dunn and Miller). "Sept. 23 - Hurricane made
landfall near Freeport with 90 mph winds, tide of 9.9', and barometer 28.31
[958.7 mb]. Extremely high tides were reported along the entire coast from
Matagorda to Galveston. Four lives were lost, and property damage was
estimated at $6.5 million" (Ellis). "Sept. 23 - 1011 mb environmental
pressure, 93 kt max sustained winds at landfall" (Schwerdt et al.). "Sept.
23 - 959 mb central pressure, 970 mb pressure at Houston, 21 nm RMW, 13 kt
[speed] at landfall, landfall 28.8N, 95.6W" (Ho et. al). "1941, Sep, TX 3N,
958 mb central pressure" (Jarrell et al.). "Sep. 23 - Center crossed coast
near Matagorda. Pressures: Houston 28.66" [971 mb], Galveston 29.26" [991
mb], AOE 29.25" [991 mb], ship at 27N 97.3W 29.11" [986 mb], Port Aransas
29.41" [996 mb], Corpus Christi 29.47" [998 mb], Port Lavaca 29.25" [991 mb].
Estimated lowest 28.30" [958 mb]. Winds: Houston 75 mph [65 kt], Texas City
83 mph [72 kt], ship 27N, 93.7W 75 mph [65 kt], NAS Corpus Christi NNW 58 mph
[50 kt], Port Aransas 60 mph [52 kt], PAH SE 73 mph [63 kt], Grand Isle E 35-
40 mph [30-35 kt]. Tides: Matagorda 10.8 ft, Galveston 7.0 ft, Sargent 9.9
ft, Port O'Connor 5.9 ft, Aransas Game Refuge 5.0 ft, Shell Island Reef 6.5
ft, Frenier 5.6 ft, Cameron 5 ft, Sabine 5.7 ft, Anahuac 7.0 ft, LaPorte 8.0
ft, Texas City 7.5 ft, Freeport 10.6 ft, Port La Vaca 6.4 ft, Ft. Point 5.6
ft" (Connor). "Maximum wind velocity reported...Force 12 NE., a ship, 83 miles
per hour, Texas City, Tex. Lowest barometer reported...970.5 mb, a ship.
Coast lines crossed...Texas. Place of dissipation...Southern Quebec Province.
Intensity...Full hurricane. Remarks...4 lives lost; $2,000,000 property damage;
crop losses estimated in excess of $5,000,000" (MWR).
September 24: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 990mb
near 31.8N, 94.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical storm with 45kt winds at
31.6N, 94.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 32N, 94W (am)
with a pressure of 982.4mb and at 36N, 92W (pm). Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a
closed low of at most 990 mb centered near 31.6N, 95.0W. Ship highlights:
35kt SW with a pressure of 1001mb at 28.8n, 94W at 1230Z (USWB). Station
highlights: 988 mb (min p) at Galveston Airport and 991 mb (min p) at
Galveston WBO (29.3N, 94.8W) both at 04Z (OMR); 53 kt S (max w/1-min/35m) at
Galveston at 0420Z (OMR); 72kt at Texas City (29.4N, 94.9W) likely around
~04Z (MWR); 63 kt at Ellington Field (29.6N, 95.2W) (WB advisories); 52 kt E
(max w/5-min/58 m) at ~0430Z and 970 mb (min p) at 0508Z at Houston (29.8N,
95.4W) (MWR/OMR); 973 mb (min p) at 0510Z at Richmond (29.6N, 95.8W)
(Connor); 975 mb at 0530Z at Alvin (29.6N, 95.3W) (Connor); 63 kt SE (fastest
mile/41m) around ~0530Z and 996 mb (min p) at 0820Z at Port Arthur (OMR); 39
kt S ( 5-min/41m) at Port Arthur around ~1130Z (OMR); 35 kt SE (max w/5-
min/69m) around ~1530Z and 990 mb (min p) at 1615Z at Shreveport (32.5N,
93.8W) (OMR); 18 kt S with 992 mb at 1830Z at Shreveport; 991 mb (min p) at
Little Rock, AR (34.7N, 92.3W) likely around 22Z or 23Z (climo). "The
following excerpts from a report by G. P. Rusmisel, of the Galveston office,
relate to conditions at that station during the approach and passage of the
storm: By late afternoon of the 22nd the sky became completely overcast with
low clouds of bad weather which predominated throughout the remainder of the
storm. Tides became to rise on the 21st and more rapidly to a crest of 6.7
feet at 8pm and 10pm CST on the 22nd, then falling to 5 feet at 1 pm of the
23rd. Tides rose again thereafter to a crest of 7 feet at 9 and 10pm CST on
the 23rd, after which they subsided rapidly. The sea was rather light at about
10 swells per minute until the storm moved toward the Texas coast, after
which an increase set in becoming very heavy and reaching 5 swells per minute
at the height of the storm. Tidewater covered all of the Galveston Island
beaches, much of the island beyond the seawall, and entered the lower
residential and business sections as backwater from the bay. Tidewater also
covered the municipal airport to a depth of approximately 1 to 3 ft and was
about 6 inches deep on the floor of the airport administration building and
in the C. A. A. communications station room, putting that office out of
commission until after the water receded and power and telephone service was
restored the evening of the 25th" (MWR).
September 25: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 990mb
centered just SW of Grand Rapids, MI near 43N, 86W with fronts running
through the low. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical cyclone with 30kt
winds at 42.2N, 85.5W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at
42.5N, 86W (am) with a pressure of 987.3mb and a center at 48N 77W (pm).
Microfilm at 12Z analyzes a closed low of at most 987 mb near the HWM
position with fronts analyzed attached to the low. Ship highlights: No gales
or low pressures. Station highlights: 15 kt W with 993 mb at 0030Z at Little
Rock, AR (USWB); 36 kt SW (max w) at Evansville, IN likely around ~12Z (MWR);
986 mb (min p) at Grand Rapids, MI likely around ~13Z (MWR); 44 kt W (max w)
at Fort Wayne, IN likely around ~14Z (MWR); 15 kt NW with 986 mb at 1830Z at
Alpena, MI (USWB); 56 kt SW (max w) at Buffalo, NY likely around ~20Z [but 49
kt max w after converting to 10m 1-min] (MWR). "Progressive movement of the
storm increased rapidly as the center moved up the Mississippi Valley and
passed over the Canadian boundary in the Lake region. Available sources
estimate property damage at well over $2,000,000. The rice crop in the region
affected was ruined, and has been estimated as a loss of $4,000,000. About 25
to 30 percent of the cotton crop had been picked in this section. Half of
that remaining in the fields has been reported lost. It is noteworthy that,
so far as is known, only four lives were lost, either directly or indirectly,
as a result of this storm which traversed a low-lying region where without
warning thousands would have been left to the mercy of wind and tide" (MWR).
September 26: HWM analyzes a tropical storm of at most 985 mb centered near
53N, 63.5W with fronts running through the cyclone. HURDAT no longer lists a
system on this day. The MWR tracks of lows shows a position near 53N, 70.2W
(am) and a position near 58N 66W (pm). Station highlights: 30 kt W with 1004
mb at Buffalo, NY at 0030Z (USWB); 25 kt W with 1002 mb at Toronto, Canada at
0030Z (USWB); 15 kt SSE with 997 mb at Montreal, Canada at 0030Z (USWB); 15
kt S with 1000 mb at Caribou, ME at 0630Z (USWB); 30 kt SW with 996 mb at 12Z
at 48.4N, 68.6W (HWM); ~20 kt SE with 994 mb at 12Z at 53.7N, 57.1W (HWM).
September 27: HWM analyzes a closed low of at most 975 mb centered near 65N,
60.5W with an occluded front extending from near the low southeastward to a
triple point near 60N, 49W. HURDAT did not previously list a system on this
day. The MWR tracks of low shows a final position near 63N, 65W with a 988
mb pressure (am). Station highlights: 40 kt NW with 986 mb at 12Z at 61.4N,
64.9W (HWM).
A tropical wave or trough slowly began to form into a more concentrated area
of low pressure on 15-16 September near the western tip of Cuba moving slowly
north-northwestward. Good observational coverage on the 16th and early on the
17th indicates that a well-defined, closed circulation was not yet present.
HURDAT originally began the cyclone at 12Z on the 16th in the eastern Gulf of
Mexico. Observations from the microfilm map at 12Z on the 17th indicate a
possibility that the low might have been closed by then. Therefore, genesis
is now shown at 12Z on the 17th (24 hours later than originally) in the
central Gulf. Sufficient observational coverage provides evidence that the
intensity was only a tropical depression at 12Z the 17th and the 00Z the 18th
microfilm maps. Data on the 18th at 00Z suggests a central pressure of at
most 1008 mb which yields of wind speed of at least 30 and 28 kt,
respectively, according to the Brown et al. (2006) southern and north of 25N
pressure-wind relationships. A 30 kt intensity is selected for 00Z on the
18th (down from 50 kt originally - a major change). Although the first low
pressure was not observed until 00Z on the 19th with the first 35 kt gale
observed at 06Z the 19th, the cyclone is analyzed to have become a tropical
storm at 06Z on the 18th (36 hours later than originally - a major change)
because of the slightly sparser data coverage near the center of the 18th.
For the track, the cyclone meandered slowly from the 18th - 21st in the south-
central Gulf of Mexico making a small clockwise loop on the 18th and 19th. It
was at 26N, 89W on the 19th at 00Z, and then it moved south to 23.3N, 87.9W by
the 21st at 00Z. From that point, it moved west-northwestward toward the
Texas coast, where it made landfall late on the 23rd. The largest track
change for the entire existing portion of the track (17th-25th) is less than 1
degree. For the intensity in the Gulf of Mexico, major downward intensity
adjustments of 20 to 30 kt are analyzed at all times from 00Z on the 18th -
00Z on the 21st. On the 19th at 00Z, a 1005 mb peripheral pressure suggests
winds of greater than 37 and 34 kt for south and north of 25N, respectively;
45 kt is analyzed (down from 70 kt originally). At 12Z on the 19th, a 40 kt
wind was observed. Also at 12Z, a peripheral pressure of 1000 mb suggests
winds greater than 47 and 44 kt for south and north of 25N. This ship -
which also measured 35 kt E - was about 30 nm northwest of the cyclone. A
second ship that observed 40 kt SE with 1003 mb at the same time was about 40
nm east of the cyclone. These observations are not consistent with a 75 kt
hurricane as originally shown in HURDAT, but are consistent with around a 55
kt tropical storm. On the 21st, a 993 mb pressure was recorded around 09Z.
It is uncertain whether this was a central pressure measurement. The first
hurricane force wind from a ship also occurred on the 21st sometime around 09Z
(it is unclear whether the "force 12" report occurred at the same time as the
993 mb pressure). The cyclone is analyzed to have reached hurricane
intensity at 06Z on the 21st (66 hours later than originally - a major
change), based upon interpolation from the 55 kt at 12Z on the 19th and
subsequent landfall as a 100 kt major hurricane two days later. This is
consistent with the available (but ambiguous) observations on the 21st. On
the 23rd at 00Z, with the cyclone 22 hours away from making landfall in Texas,
a 986 mb peripheral pressure was recorded, suggesting winds of greater than
65 kt according to the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
The hurricane made landfall on the Texas coast between Matagorda Bay and
Freeport at 28.8N, 95.6W on 23 September at 22Z. The landfall point is also
the recurvature point of this hurricane (95.6W was the farthest west the
cyclone reached). The city of Matagorda (28.7N, 96.0W) recorded a pressure
of 977 mb at either 2125Z or 2225Z but there is no wind data available for
Matagorda so it is uncertain whether the RMW was experienced there. Ho et
al. lists a landfall RMW of 21 nm, and Matagorda was located about 25 nm west
of the analyzed center at closest approach. A run of the Schloemer equation
utilizing the assumption that Matagorda was located about 5 nm outside of the
RMW yields a central pressure of 953 mb, while assuming that Matagorda was
about 10 nm outside of the RMW (with an RMW of 15 nm) yields 939 mb. Seven
hours after landfall, Houston recorded a 970 mb pressure at 0508Z on the 24th.
Wind data from Houston indicates that the center passed about 20 nm west of
the station and that the 970 mb value was not a central pressure and likely
not inside the RMW, as no lull occurred at the time of the lowest pressure.
(This is not certain, however, as the wind record from Houston is provided in
hourly averages with peak 5 min winds to have occurred within the hour. A
lull that lasted less than an hour could have occurred but not recorded.)
Runs of the Schloemer equation indicate a central pressure at that time
(seven hours after landfall) of 948 mb assuming that Houston was at the RMW.
(The 948 mb calculation is independent of the RMW size when the RMW equals
the radius from the center of the pressure measurement in the equation). If
the central pressure was indeed that low several hours after landfall, the
landfall central pressure would have been significantly lower. Ho et al.'s
inland pressure decay model for the Gulf coast would suggest a value close to
900 mb at landfall and even a value of 935 mb by using the Florida decay
model (which fills slower and may be somewhat reasonable to use given that
the hurricane would have been paralleling Galveston Bay somewhat).
Therefore, somewhat conservatively, a 942 mb central pressure is chosen for
landfall. A 942 mb central pressure equals 113 kt according to the Brown et
al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship and 118 kt for its intensifying
subset. Climatological RMW for this central pressure and landfall latitude
is 17 nm, so this system is close to average assuming an RMW of 20 nm. The
outer closed isobar of 1007 mb is substantially lower than usual with a
rather large radius of 250 nm, while the hurricane was moving at a near
average 12 kt. Thus a 110 kt intensity is selected for landfall (somewhat
below the pressure-wind relationship), maintaining this as a high end
Category 3 for north Texas. The highest observed winds were 78 kt at
Freeport and 72 kt at Texas City. Major upward intensity adjustments of 20-
40 kt are implemented from 00Z on the 23rd - 00Z on the 24th. A peak lifetime
intensity of 110 kt is analyzed at 18Z on the 23rd through the 22Z landfall
(original peak was 80 kt from 00Z/20th - 00Z/22nd). A run of the parametric
wind model suggests that 92 kt winds occurred on the coast at the border of
Central Texas and North Texas (28.6N, 96.0W), which is very near where the
left edge of the RMW passed. Therefore, a Category 2 impact is added to
HURDAT for Central Texas. Runs of the Kaplan and DeMaria inland decay model
yield 85, 63, 42 and 28 kt for 00, 06, 12 and 18Z on the 24th. Highest
observed winds within 2 hr of synoptic times are: 78 kt at 00Z, 72 kt at 06Z,
37 kt at 12Z and 32 kt at 18Z. Analyzed intensities are 85, 65, 40, and 35
kt (originally 60, 55, 45, and 35 kt). The center moved northeastward
through northwestern Louisiana and Arkansas between 12Z on the 24th - 00Z on
the 25th and it was accelerating. The cyclone is analyzed to have become
extratropical at 06Z on the 25th centered over southern Illinois. A 35 kt is
analyzed from 18Z on the 24th through 06Z on the 25th. This cyclone produced
tropical storm impacts in Louisiana and Arkansas. Tropical storm impacts are
not analyzed for Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, or Illinois
because the strongest winds, located a short distance SSE of the center, were
not experienced in any of those states while the system was still tropical.
Maximum winds observed after converting to 10m 1-min were: 32 kt at
Shreveport, 30 kt at Little Rock, 29 kt at Memphis, and 25 kt at Cairo, IL.
After that, the cyclone reintensified as an extratropical system. Damaging
winds occurred across portions of the Upper Midwest and into western New
York. On the 25th, the following central pressure values are analyzed and
added to HURDAT: 989, 988 and 985 mb at 00, 06 and 12Z. A 986 mb pressure
was recorded at Grand Rapids, MI. After converting to 10m 1-min, the
following winds were recorded on the 25th: 40 kt at Detroit; 44 kt at Fort
Wayne, IN around 14Z; 42 kt at Dayton, OH; and 49 kt at Buffalo, NY around
20Z. The cyclone is analyzed to have reintensified to 50 kt by 18Z on the
25th when the center was over Lake Huron reaching a peak of 55 kt at 00Z on
the 26th. HURDAT originally showed dissipation after 18Z on the 25th.
Dissipation is delayed by 30 hours until after 00Z on the 27th - a major
change, as the analyses from HWM indicate that the system continued moving
northeastward. This assessment is also consistent with the MWR Tracks of
Lows analysis through 00Z on the 27th. The final point at 00Z on the 27th is
58.2N, 66.0W as a 45 kt extratropical cyclone as the cyclone was absorbed by
a larger extratropical system after that time.
*******************************************************************************
1941 Storm 3
31610 09/18/1941 M= 8 3 SNBR= 697 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
31615 09/18* 0 0 0 0*275 790 35 0*290 781 40 0*291 776 55 0*
31615 09/18*268 787 30 0*278 786 30 0*285 785 30 0*290 784 30 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31620 09/19*292 770 65 0*293 764 65 0*293 756 70 0*294 745 70 0*
31620 09/19*291 782 35 0*292 775 35 0*293 763 40 0*294 748 45 998*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** ** ***
31625 09/20*295 733 70 0*297 721 70 0*299 709 70 0*303 698 70 0*
31625 09/20*296 733 50 0*298 718 55 0*299 707 60 993*298 706 60 0*
*** ** *** *** ** *** ** *** *** *** **
31630 09/21*299 694 70 0*297 700 70 0*302 708 70 0*306 714 70 0*
31630 09/21*297 706 60 995*295 707 60 0*294 708 60 0*295 714 60 0*
*** *** ** *** *** *** ** *** ** *** **
31635 09/22*309 719 70 0*313 724 70 0*316 728 70 0*324 732 70 0*
31635 09/22*299 724 65 0*304 733 70 0*312 738 70 0*321 735 70 0*
*** *** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31640 09/23*335 736 60 0*344 734 60 0*353 728 60 0*361 719 55 0*
31640 09/23*331 736 70 0*341 734 65 0*350 728 65 990*359 717 65 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** *** *** **
31645 09/24*368 711 55 0*372 706 50 0*378 700 50 0*386 690 45 0*
31645 09/24*366 707 60 0*372 700 55 0*378 695 50 0*384 690 45 0*
*** *** ** *** ** *** ***
31650 09/25*393 681 40 0*397 675 40 0*402 669 35 0*415 650 30 0*
31650 09/25*390 685 40 0E396 677 40 0E402 669 35 0E410 660 30 0*
*** *** **** *** * **** ***
31655 HR
Minor track changes and major intensity changes are analyzed for this
hurricane that stayed east of the United States. Evidence for these
alterations comes from the Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship
database, Monthly Weather Review, USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps
and Monthly Meteorological Summary.
September 17: HWM indicates that a spot low pressure system is located near
25N, 74.5W. Micro shows a trough of low pressure over the NW Bahamas. No
gales or low pressures.
September 18: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 28N, 77.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds
at 29N, 78.1W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29N, 79W (am)
with a pressure of 1012mb (first position for system) and at 29N, 78W (pm).
Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 1011mb near 28.5N, 78.5W
at 12Z. No gales or low pressures. "On the morning of the 18th, disturbed
conditions and squally weather were observed over the Atlantic east of
Florida, with indications of a center of circulation about 150 miles east of
Titusville. During the 18th this disturbance moved in a direction slightly
north of east with highest wind, force 7, reported in squalls" (MWR).
"Date...Sept. 18-26, Place where first report...Off east central Florida coast,
Coast lines crossed...None, Maximum wind velocity reports...Force 12 ESE, a ship,
Lowest barometer reported...995 mb, a ship, Place of dissipation...Near 38N, 63W,
Intensity...Full hurricane, Remarks...Caused considerable delay in North Atlantic
shipping" (MWR).
September 19: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 29N, 76.8W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 70kt
winds at 29.3N, 75.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29N,
75W (am) with a pressure of 1006mb and at 29N, 73W (pm). Micro shows a closed
low pressure system of at most 1005mb near 29.5N, 75W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: 20kt SSW with a pressure of 1000mb at 28.7N, 74.3W at 1830Z
(USWB); 25kt SSW with a pressure of 1001mb at 28.2N, 74.5W at 1830Z (USWB);
25kt NW with a pressure of 1005mb at 27N, 75.8W at 1830Z (USWB). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 20: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 28.9N, 71W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 70kt
winds at 29.9N, 70.9W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29N,
72W. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 999mb near 29N, 71W
at 12Z. Ship highlights: 40kt ENE with a pressure of 1006mb at 06Z (USWB);
20kt SSW with a pressure of 995mb at 30.0N, 70.1W at 11Z (MWR); 60kt E at
30.5N, 70.7W no time given (MWR) but likely before 12Z; 50kt ENE with a
pressure of 998mb at 29.7N, 70.4W at 22Z (MWR). Station highlights: No gales
or low pressures. "It then curved sharply to the eastward and by the morning
observation of the 20th appeared as a very large elongated low pressure area
extending from the Bahamas to Bermuda with center along latitude 29°30'N,
longitude 71°00'W. During the night the center executed a right-hand loop and
headed northwestward toward the North Carolina coast. Along the path of this
storm from September 20 to the 23 several ships reported winds force 11, with
the lowest barometer observed, during this period, 995.3mb at 30°00'N,
70°10'W on September 20. A ship bound from Curacao to New York had two
encounters with this storm; first near 30°11'N, 71°45'W. On the morning of
September 20, when at 4am a low barometer of 1006.4mb was recorded, and again
2 days later near 34°13'N, 75°09'W, with the barometer falling to 1004.7mb at
8pm on September 22. During the interval between these observations the
center of the storm, which during the first encounter had been moving
eastward south of the vessel, turned its track and overtook the ship from the
southeast. Force 8 winds were encountered on both occasions" (MWR).
September 21: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1000mb
near 30N, 71W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 70kt winds at
30.2N, 70.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29N, 70W (am)
and at 30.5N, 71W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
1005mb near 29.8N, 69.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 60kt ENE at 29.6N, 72W no
time given (MWR); 15kt E with a pressure of 997mb at 29.5N, 70.7W at 00Z
(COA); 50kt ENE with a pressure of 1002mb at 30.5N, 69.8W at 00Z (COA); 40kt
ENE with a pressure of 1005mb at 31.7N, 70.9W at 18Z (COA). Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 22: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1000mb
near 31N, 74W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 70kt winds at
31.6N, 72.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 32N, 72W (am)
with a pressure of 1001mb and at 34N, 74.5W (pm). Micro shows a closed low
pressure system of at most 996mb near 31.5N, 73.8W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
40kt SW with 987 mb at 30.7N 74.6W at 0630Z (USWB); 50 kt S with a pressure
of 1000mb near 32.8N, 72.5W at 1830Z (USWB); 50 kt N with 996 mb at 17Z and
60 kt N at 35.1N 74.4W no time given (MWR - observation date incorrect -
likely valid on 23rd). Station highlights: 30kt N wind at Cape Hatteras, NC
(MMS). "Late on the 22nd the storm recurved to the northeastward in about
3330'N, 7400'W, passing about 150 miles east of Hatteras, and dissipated in
the western North Atlantic on the 26th" (MWR).
September 23: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 35.5N, 73W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 60kt winds
at 35.3N, 72.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 35N, 73.5W
(am) and at 36N, 71W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at
most 990mb near 35.5N, 73.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 45kt SSE with a
pressure of 998mb at 32.9N, 72.7W at 00Z (MWR); 35kt SW with a pressure of
1008mb at 34N, 70.8W at 00Z (USWB); 5kt Variable with a pressure of 990 mb at
35.2N, 73.1W at 1330Z (USWB); 15kt NE with a pressure of 1001mb at 35.6N,
73.7W at 19Z (COA). Station highlights: 1006 mb at Hatteras Cape Hatteras, NC
(MMS).
September 24: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 37N, 69W with a frontal boundary just north of the cyclone.
HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at 37.8N, 70W at 12Z.
The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 37N, 69W (am) and at 38N, 68W (pm).
Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 996mb near 36.5N, 70W at
00Z. Ship highlights: 35kt NNW with a pressure of 1012mb at 34.1N, 74.6W at
00Z (COA). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 25: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 39.5N, 66.5W with a warm front just NE of the cyclone. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 40.2N, 66.9W at 12Z. The
MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 39N, 66W (am) with a pressure of 1009mb
(last position). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures. "This storm did not develop hurricane
intensity but was attended by strong winds and gales which caused
considerable delay in North Atlantic shipping. Timely small craft warnings
kept small boats along the coast out of danger. No destructive winds occurred
on land" (MWR).
September 26: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 985mb
near 53.5N, 63W with a cold front running through the system. No gales or low
pressures.
Genesis is begun six hours earlier - 00Z on the 18th - than originally shown
in HURDAT. Minor (less than 120 nm) alterations to the position of the
cyclone were made for the duration of its lifetime, though the largest
changes were made on the 19th and 21st. The original genesis intensity was 35
kt. However, numerous ship observations indicate that the cyclone began as a
tropical depression and likely reached tropical storm strength around 00Z on
the 19th. The first significant measurements were a 20 kt SSW wind/1000 mb
pressure ship report at 1830Z on the 19th. This indicates a central pressure
of around 998 mb, which has been added to HURDAT. 998 mb central pressure
suggests maximum winds of 47 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-
wind relationship. A strong gradient existed north of the cyclone on the 19th
through the 21st, but on the 19th the system was moving about 12 kt toward the
east (implying strongest winds on the south side of the vortex). With these
two factors somewhat counteracting one another, the intensity at 18Z on the
19th is set at 45 kt, which is a major reduction from the 70 kt shown
originally. Correspondingly, major downward changes are shown to the
intensity from 18Z on the 18th through 00Z on the 20th. It is also of note
that the structure of the vortex was elongated ENE-WSW from the 18th through
the 21st and the system may have been characterized as a subtropical cyclone
if satellite imagery were available. On the 20th, a ship with 20 kt SSW
wind/995 mb pressure at 11Z suggests a central pressure of about 993 mb,
which is added into HURDAT. This central pressure indicates an intensity of
around 55 kt. A separate ship measured a peak wind of 60 kt E, sometime
before 12Z on the 20th. Given the strong pressure gradient north of the
cyclone and the reduced forward speed of the system on the 20th, an intensity
of 60 kt would be consistent with going above the pressure-wind relationship
as well as consistent with the observed 60 kt wind. This is a 10 kt
reduction at 12Z on the 20th, compared to the original HURDAT. At 00Z on the
21st, a ship measured 15 kt E wind/997 mb pressure suggesting a central
pressure of 995 mb. This central pressure indicates an intensity near 52 kt.
Given the continued strong pressure gradient north of the cyclone and now a
near stationary movement, the intensity is kept at 60 kt from the day before,
which is a 10 kt decrease from original HURDAT. During the 20th and 21st, the
cyclone transcribed a clockwise loop, which is similar to that shown in
HURDAT, though it occurs around 29.5N 71W, while HURDAT had the loop centered
around 30N 70W. At 0630Z on the 22nd, a ship reported 40 kt SW with 987 mb,
as depicted on the microfilm. If valid (which is not certain, as this
measurement was not mentioned in any of the post-storm write-ups), the
pressure would suggest maximum winds of at least 64 kt from the north of 25N
Brown et al. pressure-wind relationship. This supports hurricane intensity
on this date and the 70 kt in HURDAT originally is retained. This is the
peak intensity for the cyclone (unchanged from that in HURDAT originally).
(It is of note that the conclusion published in the September Monthly Weather
Review summary was that the cyclone did not reach hurricane intensity. This
was updated in the seasonal summary in December to reflect "Full Hurricane"
based upon one "Force 12 ESE" ship report, though this observation did not
specify when or where.) On the 22nd, a ship reported a minimum pressure of
996 mb with simultaneous 50 kt N wind at 17Z and a peak wind of 60 kt N (no
time). However, comparison of these observations with numerous ships and
North Carolina coastal stations indicate that the measurements could not have
been made on the 22nd. Instead, it is likely that the date for these
observations was actually the 23rd. A separate ship measured 5 kt variable
wind with 990 mb pressure at 1330Z on the 23rd. This ship along with the 50
kt/996 report do suggest a central pressure of around 990 mb on the 23rd,
which is added into HURDAT at 12Z on the 23rd. This central pressure suggest
maximum winds of 59 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship and maximum winds of 63 kt from the Landsea et al. north of 35N
pressure-wind relationship. Because of the improved symmetry of the cyclone
on the 23rd and that there was an observed 60 kt N ship report on the weak
side of the storm, the intensity on the 23rd is set at 65 kt, which is 5 kt
higher than HURDAT from 00-12Z on the 23rd. On the 23rd, the system began
moving away from North Carolina. Peak observed winds in the state were 30 kt
N at Cape Hatteras on the 22nd. The system is not analyzed to have been a
tropical storm impact for the United States, but this is uncertain. Steady
weakening of the cyclone occurred on the 24th, as it moved at a relatively
slow speed toward the northeast. No changes to the intensity were made after
06Z on the 24th. However, the available observations become very sparse on
the 24th and 25th. An extratropical phase is added to the system beginning at
06Z on the 25th. The cyclone became absorbed by a large extratropical cyclone
after 18Z on the 25th before the original cyclone reached Canada. An
alternative solution where the original cyclone is the dominant vortex that
still remains on the 26th over eastern Canada as shown in the Historical
Weather Map is likely not correct. Thus the timing and general location of
dissipation is unchanged from the original HURDAT.
*******************************************************************************
1941 Storm 4
31660 09/23/1941 M= 8 4 SNBR= 698 NOT NAMED XING=0 SSS=0
31665 09/23* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*140 593 40 0*
31665 09/23* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*137 603 30 0*
*** *** **
31670 09/24*140 612 40 0*140 631 45 0*140 650 45 0*140 663 50 0*
31670 09/24*137 619 35 0*138 635 40 0*138 650 45 0*138 663 50 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
31675 09/25*140 675 55 0*140 689 55 0*140 702 60 0*140 714 65 0*
31675 09/25*139 676 55 0*140 689 55 0*140 702 60 0*140 715 65 0*
*** *** ***
31680 09/26*140 725 70 0*140 738 75 0*140 751 80 0*140 761 90 0*
31680 09/26*141 729 70 0*142 743 75 0*142 756 80 0*143 769 90 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31685 09/27*140 772 95 0*140 787 100 0*141 804 105 0*145 824 105 0*
31685 09/27*143 782 95 0*144 796 105 0*145 810 115 0*147 825 115 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31690 09/28*151 842 100 0*155 855 95 0*159 868 90 992*161 881 80 0*
31690 09/28*150 840 90 0*154 853 75 0*158 865 70 0*163 877 75 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** *** **
31695 09/29*163 892 60 0*168 905 50 0*175 920 40 0*179 929 35 0*
31695 09/29*167 891 60 0*171 906 50 0*175 920 40 0*180 930 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** ***
31700 09/30*185 940 30 0*191 955 25 0*198 970 20 0* 0 0 0 0*
31700 09/30*186 938 30 0*193 945 30 0*200 950 25 0*208 953 25 0*
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31705 HR
Major track changes and intensity changes are analyzed for this hurricane
that struck Central America. Evidence for these alterations comes from the
Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather
Review, USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps and the Mexican synoptic
maps.
September 21: HWM indicates a spot low pressure is located near 12.5N and
50.5W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No
gales or low pressures.
September 22: HWM indicates a spot low pressure is located near 12N and 53W.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures.
September 23: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1010mb near 12N, 60.2W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds
at 14N, 59.3W at 18Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
1008mb near 13.5N, 60.5W at 18Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "This storm was first noticed
as a very slight disturbance about 75 miles northwest of Barbados in the
early afternoon of September 23. Moving almost due west it passed slightly
south of St. Lucia and into the Caribbean Sea, where it quickly developed
hurricane intensity" (MWR). "Storm...IV, Date...Sept, 23-30, Place where first
reported...Between Barbados and St. Lucia" (MWR).
September 24: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1005mb near 12N, 65W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds
at 14N, 65W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
1011mb near 15N, 64.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 25: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1000mb
near 13.5N, 70.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 60kt winds at
14N, 70.2W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 1002mb
near 14N, 71W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 45kt ESE at 15.1N, 69.2W at 12Z (COA);
40kt ESE with a pressure of 1012mb at 14.1N, 69.2W at 12Z (HWM); 35kt S with
a pressure of 1006mb at 13.9N, 69.6W at 12Z (HWM); 45kt SSE with a pressure
of 1014mb at 13.8N, 69.7W at 18Z (COA, USWB). Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. "On the morning of the 25th the hurricane-buffeted freighter m.
s. Ethel Skakel flashed a 'sinking' message from 125 miles north of Aruba,
Dutch West Indies, and later went down with her cargo of steel rails near
14N, 70W. Of the crew of 33 men, only 13 were reported rescued, the other 20
being presumably lost. Two other vessels sent distress signals from locations
near the path of the storm, one of which was later reported lost with her
entire crew of 27 men" (MWR).
September 26: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1000mb
near 14N, 76W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 80kt winds at
14N, 75.1W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 999mb
near 14.5N, 75.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 45kt E with a pressure of 1004mb
at 15.5N, 76.1W at 16Z (USWB). 45kt E with a pressure of 1003mb at 15.4N,
76.4W at 18Z (COA). 35kt ESE with a pressure of 1008mb at 16.0N, 76.2W at 23Z
(USWB). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
September 27: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 995mb near
15N, 81W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 3 Hurricane with 105kt winds at
14.1N, 80.4W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
996mb near 15N, 81.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 957 mb at 20Z at 15.0N 83.4W
(MWR); 50kt E with a pressure of 1001mb at 15.8N, 81.6W at 1830Z (USWB); 45kt
ENE with a pressure of 1001mb at 15.8N, 81.6W at 14Z (COA). Station
highlights: Eye passage between 22 and 23Z at Boom, Nicaragua (14.9N 83.6W)
(MWR); 25kt N with a pressure of 1005mb at 12Z at Cape Gracias, Nicaragua
(USWB); 25kt W with a pressure of 1004mb at Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua at 18Z
(USWB); 999mb at Cape Gracias, Nicaragua at 18Z (USWB); 45kt NW with a
pressure of 982mb at 2215Z from rural location in Nicaragua at 14.7N 83.3W
(USWB). "Taking a course slightly north of west the storm then moved across
the western Caribbean and by the morning observation of the 27th was centered
in the vicinity of Cape Gracias, Nicaragua. Through the courtesy of Jose
Carlos Millas, Director of the National Observatory at Havana, Cuba, the
following report has been received: Today (October 1), we have been able to
establish contact with Cape Gracias. The town was destroyed and our station
is practically lost. As I had advised the Governor that the hurricane would
pass through that place the day before, all the people fled, except 11, of
which 3 were drowned. The observer stayed until 9:45am (of the 27th), at which
time he sent his last message. The observation building also came down. The
sea flooded the town, reaching a height of about 2 meters, wrecking
everything there. The inhabitants have come back to what is left of the
place" (MWR). "Coast lines crossed...Nicaragua, British Honduras, and Mexico,
Maximum wind velocity reported...100 miles per hour (estimated), a ship, Lowest
barometer reported...993 mb, a ship, Place of dissipation...Eastern Mexico,
Intensity...Full hurricane, Remarks...47 lives lost at sea; 3 drowned at Cape
Gracias; heavy crop and property damage in Central America, A late special
report received from Mr. Albert Krog, Radio Operator of the Standard Fruit &
Steamship Co., Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, states that on September 28, about
20 miles up the Rio Coco from Cape Gracias, the barometer on the schooner
Bravo fell to 28.25 inches [957 mb] (uncorrected), at about 3 p. m. Farther
inland from the Cape, at Boom, the central calm of the hurricane lasted from
5 to 6 p. m." (MWR).
September 28: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1000mb
near 16N, 86W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 Hurricane with 90kt winds at
15.9N, 86.8W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
993mb near 15.8N, 86.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 10kt E with a pressure of
993mb at 16N, 86.8W at 13Z (USWB); 70kt NE at 16N, 86.8W no time given (MWR);
60kt SE at 16N, 87.4W no time given (MWR). Station highlights: 30kt SSW with
a pressure of 1004mb at Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua at 00Z (USWB); 35kt NE with
a pressure of 1010mb at Belize City, Belize at 12Z (USWB); 50kt N at Puerto
Barrios, Guatemala at 14Z (USWB); 993mb at La Ceiba (15.7N, 86.9W) at 15Z
(MWR). 40kt NE with a pressure of 1004mb at Belize City, Belize at 1715Z
(USWB); "From Cape Gracias the hurricane moved with slightly increased speed
across extreme northern Honduras, passing into the Gulf of Honduras, near La
Ceiba, about 9 am (local time) of the 28th, with lowest barometer reported
992.9mb, and still accompanied by winds of hurricane force. A vessel, located
16 miles north of Ceiba, reported winds estimated at 100miles per hour, after
passage of the center. The storm moved inland again over the coast of British
Honduras, about 70 miles south of Belize, during the afternoon of the 28th,
and 24 hours later emerged into the Bay of Campeche" (MWR).
September 29: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most
1000mb near 17.5N, 92W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds
at 17.5N, 92W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
1005mb near 18N, 92.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 45kt W with a pressure of
1000mb at 16N, 88.5W at 00Z (MWR). Station highlights: 40kt E with a pressure
of 1006mb at Belize City, Belize at 00Z (USWB); 25kt ENE with a pressure of
1005mb at Frontera, Mexico (18.6N, 92.7W) at 12Z (HWM); 35kt NE at Ciudad del
Carmen, Mexico at 12Z (Mexico); 35 kt NE at Teapa, Mexico at 12Z (Mexico);
35kt NW with a pressure of 1013mb at Veracruz, Mexico at 18Z (USWB).
"Continuing to move west-northwestward the disturbance decreased rapidly in
intensity as it approached the Mexican coast, and moved inland, for the third
time, as a weak depression near Vera Cruz on September 30" (MWR).
September 30: HWM indicates a low near 19N, 94W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Depression with 20kt winds at 19.8N, 97W at 12Z. Micro shows a
closed low pressure system of at most 1005mb near 21.8N, 97.2W at 12Z. Ship
highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: 35kt NW with a
pressure of 1007mb at Veracruz, Mexico at 0Z (USWB).
October 1: HWM indicates a spot low near 23N, 94W. No gales or low pressures.
October 2: HWM indicates a spot low near 28N, 92.5W. Micro shows a closed low
pressure system of at most 1005mb near 28.7N, 91W. No gales or low pressures.
October 3: No organized low pressures are listed in HWM, Micro or MWR. No
gales or low pressures.
No changes to the timing of genesis of this major hurricane. While the
Historical Weather Maps indicated a low east of the Lesser Antilles on the
21st and 22nd, there are no supporting data for this possibility. Track
changes are introduced for every day of this system's lifetime. The one
major track alteration is at 12Z on the 30th, as the cyclone was weakening
over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Observations late on the 23rd from the
Lesser Antilles indicate that the cyclone was a tropical depression while
moving across the islands. Intensification to a tropical storm is delayed by
six hours to 00Z on the 24th, after the system had moved into the Caribbean
Sea. The first observed gale, however, was not until 12Z on the 25th, when a
45 kt ESE ship observation was taken. There were reports on the 25th of two
ships sinking and one other with distress signals, so the system may have
become a hurricane earlier than the 18Z on the 25th as originally seen in
HURDAT. However, because of lack of observational confirmation, the
intensities are kept as is on the 25th. No observations were taken near the
center of the hurricane on the 26th, so the HURDAT intensities - which appear
reasonable - are retained on that date.
By late on the 27th, the hurricane made landfall near the Honduras-Nicaragua
border. Around the time of landfall, a ship just inland in the Cocos River
measured 957 mb around 20Z. Between 22 and 23Z the eye was reported over
Boom, Nicaragua (14.9N 83.6W). A 982 mb with 45 kt NW report at 2215Z was
from a radio operator in a rural part of Nicaragua near 14.7N 83.3W about 20
nm south of Cabo Gracias. (Notes on the microfilm indicate that "Radio
operator stated: leaving radio for safe place" after his 2215Z report.) It
is uncertain whether this was a minimum pressure report. These three reports
are not entirely consistent with one another and may be due to incorrect
times of one or more of them. Based upon all of this, landfall is estimated
to have occurred at 14.8N 83.2W around 20Z just south of Cape Gracias. The
957 mb peripheral pressure (as the ship was north of the center by 10-15 nm)
suggests maximum winds of at least 104 kt from the south of 25N Brown et al.
pressure-wind relationship. HURDAT originally had 105 kt before landfall.
Based upon the pressure and the extreme destruction described in the town,
the intensity at landfall is estimated to be 115 kt - making this a Category
4 impact for both Honduras and Nicaragua. The cyclone only remained over
Honduras for 16 hours, while remaining close to the Caribbean Sea coastline.
Runs of the Kaplan-DeMaria inland decay model suggested intensities of 81 kt
at 00Z on the 28th, 60 kt at 06Z, and 54 kt at 12Z. The intensities are
analyzed to be 95 kt at 00Z (down from 100 kt originally), 75 kt at 06Z (a
major downward change from 95 kt), and 70 kt at 12Z (another major downward
change from 90 kt). The values are higher than the Kaplan-DeMaria model due
to the hurricane's center remaining very close to the Honduras coastline
after landfall. After emerging back over the Caribbean Sea around 12Z on the
28th, the cyclone continued to produce hurricane force winds, as measured by a
ship at 16N 86.8W (no time, but likely around 12Z). Intensity in HURDAT
reduced at 06Z on the 28th to 80 kt (down from 95 kt originally) and down to
75 kt at 12Z (down from 90 kt). A 992 mb central pressure listed in HURDAT
at 12Z on the 28th is likely attributed to the 992.9 mb pressure observed in
Ceiba, Honduras. However, this was "still accompanied by winds of hurricane
force" and thus was not a central pressure and is removed from HURDAT.
The hurricane then made a second landfall in Belize around 21Z on the 28th at
16.5N 88.4W. Landfall intensity is estimated at 75 kt, down slightly from
the 80 kt in HURDAT, making this a Category 1 impact in Belize. Runs of the
Kaplan-DeMaria model give 58 kt at 00Z on the 29th, 43 kt at 06Z, 36 kt at
12Z, and 36 kt at 18Z. Peak observed winds were 45 kt at 00Z on the 29th, 35
kt at 06Z, 35 kt at 12Z, and 40 kt at 18Z. Additionally, an observation of
1005 mb with ENE 25 kt at 12Z on the 29th suggests maximum winds of at least
37 kt. Intensities are reanalyzed to be 60 kt at 00Z on the 29th, 50 kt at
06Z, 40 kt at 12Z, and 40 kt at 18Z (all unchanged except up from 35 kt at
18Z). The cyclone again emerged over water into the Gulf of Mexico around
21Z on the 29th. There were two NW gales at Veracruz, Mexico late on the 29th
and early on the 30th, but this location is susceptible to coastal funneling
due to the high topography and these winds may not be representative of the
circulation of the cyclone. The cyclone weakened below tropical storm
strength around 00Z on the 30th, same as that originally indicated.
Observations along the Mexican coast at 12 and 18Z on the 30th and 00Z on the
1st also indicate the cyclone did not make a Mexican landfall (as originally
suggested by HURDAT) as the coastal stations never switched to a southerly
wind component. Instead, the system remained in the southwestern Gulf of
Mexico until dissipation after 18Z on the 30th, six hours after that
originally indicated. It is also noted that the HWM series had an
alternative scenario for this system. The HWM continued the cyclone
northward in the western Gulf of Mexico on the 1st of October until landfall
on the 2nd in Louisiana. However, observations on the 1st are extremely sparse
with no definitive evidence that the cyclone was intact on that date.
Additionally, HWM, microfilm, and COADS observations on the 2nd suggest the
system was an elongated east-west trough with no northerly wind component on
the western side of the supposed low. Thus the HWM solution - while explored
- was not adopted. It appears that this trough on the 2nd was the result of a
tropical wave that moved from the western Caribbean on the 30th and across
Central America on the 1st into the Gulf of Mexico. This is also discussed in
the Additional Notes section.
*******************************************************************************
1941 Storm 5
31710 10/03/1941 M=12 5 SNBR= 699 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
31710 10/03/1941 M=11 5 SNBR= 699 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=2
**
31715 10/03* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*226 630 40 0*
31715 10/03* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*212 624 40 0*
*** ***
31720 10/04*229 644 50 0*231 658 55 0*234 672 65 0*236 689 70 0*
31720 10/04*222 640 50 0*228 656 55 0*234 672 65 0*236 689 75 0*
*** *** *** *** **
31725 10/05*238 707 75 0*239 721 80 0*241 736 85 0*244 755 90 0*
31725 10/05*238 705 85 0*239 721 95 0*240 736 105 0*242 754 105 962*
*** ** ** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31730 10/06*248 774 95 0*251 791 100 0*256 808 105 0*267 824 95 0*
31730 10/06*246 773 95 0*251 791 85 0*257 808 75 0*267 824 60 997*
*** *** ** *** ** ** ***
31735 10/07*281 839 80 0*292 846 75 0*303 847 60 0*314 845 60 0*
31735 10/07*280 837 70 0*292 846 80 982*303 846 70 0*314 841 60 0*
*** *** ** ** *** *** ** ***
31740 10/08*326 831 55 0*329 818 55 0*330 801 50 0*329 790 50 0*
31740 10/08*322 831 45 0*326 816 40 0*330 801 35 1004*329 790 40 0*
*** ** *** *** ** ** **** **
31745 10/09*326 777 50 0*322 767 50 0*319 759 50 0*312 750 50 0*
31745 10/09*325 777 50 0*320 764 50 0*312 752 50 0*304 747 50 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31750 10/10*303 741 50 0*291 741 50 0*288 752 50 0*297 746 50 0*
31750 10/10*297 743 50 0*295 746 50 0*295 749 50 0*295 746 50 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
31755 10/11*297 736 50 0*295 722 50 0*293 706 45 0*293 689 45 0*
31755 10/11*297 736 50 0*295 722 50 0*293 703 45 0*293 685 45 0*
*** ***
31760 10/12*294 671 45 0*295 656 40 0*297 641 40 0*304 618 40 0*
31760 10/12*294 671 45 0*295 656 40 0E297 641 40 0E304 625 40 0*
* * ***
31765 10/13*313 592 40 0E321 575 35 0E331 557 35 0E348 527 35 0*
31765 10/13E315 607 40 0E331 587 35 0E350 565 35 0E370 540 35 0*
**** *** *** *** **** *** **** ***
(October 14th was removed from HURDAT)
31770 10/14E367 498 35 0E381 474 35 0E395 450 35 0E418 413 35 0*
31775 HRCFL2BFL2AFL2
31775 HRCFL2BFL1AFL1IGA1
************
US LANDFALL SUMMARY
6th/10Z 25.5N 80.2W 85kt Cat 2 980mb 10nm RMW 125nm ROCI 1015mb OCI
6th/11Z 25.5N 80.3W 85kt Cat 2 980mb 10nm RMW 125nm ROCI 1015mb OCI
7th/09Z 29.9N 84.6W 80kt Cat 1 982mb 20nm RMW 125nm ROCI 1015mb OCI
Major track changes (but only for the extratropical phase) and major
alterations to the intensities are analyzed for this major hurricane.
Another major change is to indicate dissipation 24 hours earlier than
originally shown. Evidence for these alterations comes from the Historical
Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather Review,
USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps, the Florida and Georgia
Climatological Data, Original Monthly Records, Dunn and Miller (1960),
Schwerdt et al. (1979), and Ho et al. (1987).
October 3: HWM indicates a low near 20N, 61.5W. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 23N, 63W (pm). Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "The first indications of this
storm were observed over the Atlantic about 300 miles north of the Virgin
Islands on the evening of October 3" (MWR).
October 4: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1010mb near
23N, 68W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 1 Hurricane with 65kt winds at
23.4N, 67.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 24N, 68W (am)
with a pressure of 1008mb and at 24.5N, 70.5W (pm). Micro shows a closed low
pressure system of at most 999mb near 23.5N, 67.4W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
35kt E with a pressure of 1014mb at 24.2N, 65.2W at 04Z (COA); 35kt SE with a
pressure of 1007 at 24.2N, 68W at 16Z (USWB); 25kt SSW with a pressure of
1005mb at 21.6N, 68.5W at 1830Z (USWB). Station highlights: No gales or low
pressures. "Morning observations of the 4th showed a definite circulation and
established the center near latitude 23N, longitude 67W" (MWR).
October 5: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1005mb near
24.5N, 73.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 2 Hurricane with 85kt winds at
24.1N, 73.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 25N, 74W (am)
with a pressure of 1009mb and at 25.5N, 78W (pm). Micro shows a closed low
pressure system of at most 999mb near 24.5N, 73.6W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
35kt SE with a pressure of 1008mb at 23.8N, 69.2W at 00Z (COA). 35kt NW with
a pressure of 1009mb at 23.6N, 64.4W at 12Z (USWB). Station highlights: 30kt
NE with a pressure of 972mb at 1730Z at Cat Island, Bahamas (USBW). 15kt E
with a pressure of 964mb at 1750Z at Cat Island, Bahamas (USBW). "Moving in a
west-northwesterly direction, the storm crossed the Bahama Islands and passed
a short distance south of Nassau on the evening of October 5, at which time
it was determined to be a small but highly developed storm of hurricane
force. The storm which broke about 7:35pm Sunday evening centered south of
Nassau. The velocity of wind registered 102 miles per hour, averaging between
70-75miles per hour. The barometer reached 29.12 inches (986.1mb). The wind
velocity of 102 miles per hour, reported by Mr. McAndrews and registered by a
Dines gust recorder, was the highest recorded on the islands during the
passage of this storm. The lowest barometer 964.4mb was registered at The
Bight, Cat Island. In addition to the islands of New Providence and Cat,
damage resulted on Watling, Exuma, northern Andros, and islands of the Bimini
group" (MWR).
October 6: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1005mb near
26N, 81W. HURDAT lists this as a Category 3 Hurricane with 105kt winds at
25.6N, 80.8W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 26N, 81W (am)
and at 27N, 84W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
999mb near 26N, 81.2W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 35kt ENE with a pressure of
1005mb at 25.7N, 77.2W at 00Z (MWR); 50kt NE with a pressure of 1007mb at
25.5N, 79.2W at 0630Z (USWB); Station highlights: 65kt E (gust 90kt) with a
pressure of 986mb at Nassau, Bahamas, no time given (MWR/CLIMA). 991mb at
Carysfort Reef, no time given (CLIMA). 78kt (107kt gust) at Pan American
Dinner Key (25.7N, 80.2W) no time given (MWR/CLIMA); 41kt NNE with a pressure
of 1007mb at Fowey Rock Lighthouse at 06Z (USWB); a pressure of 992mb at
Fowey Rock Lighthouse (25.5N, 80.1W) at 0930Z (MWR). 59kt NE with a pressure
of 995mb at Miami at 0947Z (MWR/CLIMA). Calm at Goulds at 1045Z (MWR). 57kt
SW with a pressure of 996mb at Everglades City, no time given (MWR/CLIMA).
997mb at Punta Rassa, no time given (CLIMA). 52kt N with a pressure of 998mb
at Sanibel Light, no time given (CLIMA). 38kt ENE with a pressure of 1000mb
at Gasparilla Light, no time given (CLIMA). 1005mb at Egmont Key, no time
given (CLIMA)."On October 6, 1941, a small tropical storm moving slightly
north of west, passed over extreme southern Florida and into the Gulf of
Mexico. Its center moved inland about 13 miles south of Miami at 5:30am; and
at 5:45am, Goulds, Fla., a short distance inland, was in the calm area. The
lowest barometer reading in Miami was 994.9mb at 5am on the 6th; and 991.5mb
at Fowey Rock Lighthouse, located 12 miles east-southeast of Miami, at
4:30am. The wind reached a velocity of 68 miles per hour at 4:47am.
Velocities somewhat higher, no doubt, occurred during the next hour; however,
due to interference of a taller building to the east of the station, these
were not indicated on the register. At Pan American Dinner Key a peak
velocity of 123 miles per hour was recorded, with a sustained velocity of 90
miles per hour for 30 seconds" (MWR). "Continuing in a west-northwesterly
direction the storm crossed the Everglades south of Lake Okeechobee and
passed into the Gulf between Everglades City and Fort Myers about 11am of the
6th. The lowest pressure, at Everglades City, 995.6mb, was accompanied by
winds exceeding 65 miles per hour and a tide of 4.1 feet which flooded the
town and surrounding low country to a depth of about 1 foot. Fort Myers was
on the northern edge of the storm and suffered little damage from strong
winds" (MWR). "Extreme south, Carabelle, Major, S Miami 123 mph" (Dunn and
Miller (1960). Ho et al. did not include the southeast Florida landfall in
their compilation, suggesting that it did not have a central pressure lower
than 983 mb in their opinion.
October 7: HWM indicates a Hurricane with a pressure of at most 1000mb near
30N, 84W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 60kt winds at 30.3N,
84.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 31N, 85W (am) and at
33N, 84W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 999mb near
30.3N, 84.5W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 30kt NNW with a pressure of 995mb at
29.8N, 85W at 0930Z (USWB). Station highlights: Calm winds and 982mb between
0830Z and 0930Z at Carrabelle (MWR); 43kt NW with a pressure of 995mb at
0920Z at Apalachicola, FL (OMR); 43 kt ESE with 999 mb at 1230Z and peak of
56 kt ESE (between 12 and 18Z) at Tallahassee (OMR); 56 kt NW with 997 mb at
1858Z and 33 kt NNW 996 mb at 1830Z at Albany (OMR). "Curving toward the
north in the Gulf of Mexico the center moved up the west Florida coast, some
distance off shore, causing strong winds at some of the outlying island
stations. Edgemont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay estimated the wind at 60
miles per hour. The disturbance moved inland again at Carrabelle where the
calm eye of the storm was experienced between 3:30 and 4:30am of the 7th.
Winds of 65 to 75 miles per hour accompanied the storm at this point, with
lowest barometer reported at 982.1mb. "Damage in Florida resulting from this
storm has been estimated at $675,000, about equally divided between the
northern and southern portions of the State. Five men were drowned near the
small fishing village of Panacea, east of Carrabelle, and these added to
three deaths reported from the Bahamas, bring the total of lives lost during
this storm to eight. So far as is known seven injuries resulted, none of
which could be directly attributed to the storm" (MWR).
October 8: HWM indicates a closed low near 33N, 80W. HURDAT lists this as a
Tropical Storm with 50kt at 33N, 80.1W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed
a center at 33N, 80W (am) with a pressure of 1004.7mb and at 32.5N, 78W (pm).
Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 1005mb near 33N, 80.2W at
12Z. Ship highlights: 45kt ESE with a pressure of 1003mb at 32.2N, 77.5W at
22Z (MWR). Station highlights: 35kt S with a pressure of 1006mb at Savannah,
GA at 0900Z (USWB); 35kt SW with a pressure of 1008mb at Parris Island, SC at
0900Z (USWB); 5kt SE with a pressure of 1005mb at Charleston (Airport)
(32.9N, 80W) at 1240Z (OMR). "Diminishing somewhat in intensity, but still
accompanied by winds with gusts up to 75 miles per hour, the center moved
northeastward across Georgia with considerable damage reported along its path
as far north as Albany. North of that point little damage was caused by the
diminishing winds that attended the storm into South Carolina, where it
passed into the Atlantic in the vicinity of Charleston about 8am, October 8"
(MWR). "1016 mb environmental pressure, 77 kt max sustained winds at landfall
(Schwardt et al. (1979)) "981 mb central pressure, 982 mb at Carrabelle, 18
mi RMW, 11 kt at landfall, 29.8N 84.7W landfall point" (Ho et al. (1987)
October 9: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1010mb
near 31N, 75W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at
31.9N, 75.9W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 31N, 75W (am)
and at 30N, 74W (pm). Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
1008mb near 31.3N, 75.3W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 50kt WNW with a pressure of
1005mb at 32N, 78.1W at 0030Z (USWB); 30kt W with a pressure of 1004mb at
31.3N, 76.3W at 0600Z (USWB); 30kt SSW with a pressure of 1004mb at 29.8N,
74.5W at 1800Z (USWB). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 10: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1010mb
near 29.5N, 75W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 50kt winds at
28.8N, 75.2W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29N, 75W (am)
with a pressure of 1006mb and at 30.5N, 73.5W (pm). Micro shows a closed low
pressure system of at most 1005mb near 29.5N, 75W at 12Z. Ship highlights:
35kt ESE with a pressure of 1002mb at 29.7N, 74.6W at 17Z (COA); 25kt NW with
a pressure of 999mb at 29.2N, 74.7W at 19Z (MWR). Station highlights: No
gales or low pressures.
October 11: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of 1010mb near
29N, 70.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at 29.3N,
70.6W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 30.5N, 71W (am) and
at 30.5N, 68W (pm - last position). Micro shows a closed low pressure system
of at most 1002mb near 29.4N, 70.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights: 30kt W with a
pressure of 1001mb at 29.3N, 74.1W at 00Z (COA); 30kt SW with a pressure of
1003mb at 28.9N, 69.9W at 12Z (COA); 35kt SSW with a pressure of 1004mb at
29N, 68.2W at 1830Z (USWB). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
"Although this storm increased somewhat in intensity after moving into the
Atlantic, no ship along it later path reported winds higher than force 9. It
was traced in a looping course eastward over the ocean until it passed south
of Bermuda near latitude 30N, during the night of October 11-12" (MWR).
October 12: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1015mb near
30N, 63.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at 29.7N,
64.1W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures.
October 13: HWM indicates a closed low with a pressure of at most 1015mb near
35.5N, 56.5W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with 35kt winds at
33.1N, 55.7W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station
highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 14: HWM indicates a frontal wave with intersecting fronts near 43N
41W. HURDAT lists this as an Extratropical Storm with 35 kt winds at 39.5N
45.0W at 12Z. No gales or low pressures.
"The first of these was a small storm of hurricane force, which moved
westward from off the Atlantic through the Bahama Islands, and reached the
coast with center about 13 miles south of Miami 5 to 6 am on October 6th. It
crossed the Everglades and passed into the Gulf between Everglades City and
Ft. Myers about 11 am of the 6th and then curved northward and passed some
distance off shore until it reached the coast again at Carabelle about 4 am
of the 7th. The center passed about 10 miles west of Tallahassee at 8:45 am
and was near Albany, Georgia, at noon of the 7th. Thereafter, it lost force as
it passed over southern Georgia an when it passed into the Atlantic again
near Charleston, SC, at 8:00 am of the 8th, winds did not exceed 40 miles per
hour. Over southern Florida the path of damaging winds was approximately 60
miles in width, extending from Homestead northward beyond Ft. Lauderdale on
the east coast, and from Punta Rassa to south of Everglades on the west
coast. Over northern Florida damage extended from about the Apalachicola
River eastward nearly to Perry and Madison, a distance of 80 to 90 miles. Due
to timely warnings and emergency protective measures, damage to life and
property were held to a minimum. Property and crop loss in southern Florida
is estimated at about $325,000 with no loss of life. About $300,000 of the
damage occurred to communities on the southeast coast, and the remaining
$25,000 to communities on the west coast. Over north Florida damage was about
$350,000, which includes the whole affected area from the Georgia line
southward to the Gulf. In this area the greater losses were to timber and
pecan orchards blown down, broken down and communication lines and some
structural damage to buildings in the affected communities of Carabelle, St.
Marks, Tallahassee, Monticello, Quincy, Chattahoochee and others. At Panacea,
a fishing village east of Carabelle, five men were drowned when the waves
washed them from a wooden footbridge. This was the only loss of life reported
in connection with the storm in Florida. Five large Cuban fishing boats were
grounded and lost at St. Teresa and other fishing and pleasure craft were
damaged in the Carabelle-St. Marks area. A remarkable feature of this storm
was the lack of rainfall in its passage over the Bahama Islands and southeast
Florida. There was not enough rain to wash salt spray from vegetation that
was blown inland over the southeast coast, and some damage from salt burning
resulted to crops and shrubbery. Rainfall was not heavy until it reached the
west coast and started recurving to northward." (Climatological Data Florida)
"Destructive winds attended the storm of the 7th and 8th through many southern
and central counties, especially in and near Cairo, Pelham, Albany and
Cordele. Great numbers of trees were blown down, a few buildings were
unroofed or otherwise damaged; power and communication lines were badly
damaged over a great area. At Norman Park Junior College, near Moultrie, a
young lady student tripped over a live wire brought down by the wind and was
killed. Large quantities of immature pecans were blown from the trees,
involving heavy loses. Extensive rains occurred over a considerable area near
the course of the storm center, many stations having from 4 to nearly 7
inches of rain within 24 hours." (Climatological Data Georgia)
The timing of genesis for this system is unchanged at 18Z on the 3rd, as the
sparse observations do not indicate a closed low yet was in existence by 12Z
on the 3rd (nor on earlier dates either). Minor track changes were made for
every day of its existence as a tropical cyclone and major track alterations
were introduced on the 13th while extratropical. Intensity is unchanged for
the first 24 hours, though limited observations were present.
Intensification to a hurricane at 18Z on the 4th is retained. Apparently, the
cyclone underwent rapid intensification on the 5th, as 964 mb with E 15 kt
winds were observed at Cat Island, Bahamas at 1750Z. This indicates a
central pressure of about 962 mb, which would support 100 kt from the
intensifying subset of Brown et al. south of 25N pressure-wind relationship
and 97 kt for north of 25N. Given the rapid movement and small size of the
system, the intensity is analyzed at 12 and 18Z on the 5th to be 105 kt. This
is consistent with damages that occurred throughout the central and northern
Bahamas. 105 kt is the peak intensity for this hurricane and is the same as
that previously shown in HURDAT (but is listed as occurring a day earlier).
The hurricane quickly continued west-northwestward and made landfall in south
Dade County on the 6th of October. The first landfall was at Elliot Key
around 10Z at 25.5N 80.2W, followed shortly thereafter east of Goulds at
25.5N 80.3W. The hurricane's small core was bracketed by minimum pressure
readings of 991 mb to the south at Carysfort Reef lighthouse and 992 mb to
the north at Fowey Rocks lighthouse at 0930Z. Two runs of the Schloemer
equation were performed. Assuming a 10 nm distance from the hurricane's
center to Fowey Rocks, a central pressure of 954 mb is obtained with an RMW
of 5 nm. A central pressure of 977 mb is obtained with an RMW estimate of 10
nm. Conservatively, 980 mb is estimated as the central pressure at landfall.
Highest observed sustained winds were 78 kt at the Pan American Dinner Key
base along with 997 mb pressure. A central pressure of 980 mb suggests an
intensity of 78 kt south of 25N and 75 kt north of 25N. Given the fast
forward speed (17 kt), small size (125 nm radius of outer closed isobar) and
high environmental pressure (1015 mb outer closed isobar), landfall intensity
is analyzed to be 85 kt - making this a Category 2 hurricane in Southeast
Florida. This is consistent with the previous categorization ("CFL2"), but
is substantially lower than the 100 kt in HURDAT previously just before
landfall. The hurricane was over land for about six hours. The intensity at
12Z on the 6th (a couple hours after landfall on the southeast Florida
mainland coast) is 75 kt, 10 kt decreased from the landfall intensity and is
30 kt less than that in HURDAT originally. The hurricane passed directly
over Punta Rassa and Sanibel Lighthouse likely just before 18Z on the 6th,
recording 997 and 998 mb, respectively. A central pressure of 997 mb
suggests 49 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind relationship. Given the
small size/fast movement/high environmental pressure, intensity at 18Z is
estimated to be 60 kt, a large decrease from the 95 kt originally. The
cyclone emerged over water into the Gulf of Mexico at about this time and
apparently reintensified.
The hurricane made a final landfall around 09Z on the 7th of October over
Carrabelle, at 29.9N 84.6W. Carabelle measured a 982 mb pressure while in
the eye between 0830Z and 0930Z. This central pressure suggests maximum
winds of 73 kt from the subset of intensifying cyclones north of 25N. At
this landfall, the system still was small and embedded within high
environmental pressure, but was moving at a slower rate of speed (11 kt).
Thus the landfall intensity is estimated at 80 kt, making this a high end
Category 1 hurricane for Northwest Florida ("AFL1"). This is consistent with
the original HURDAT intensity at 06Z (75 kt originally), but is lower than
the Category 2 assessment ("AFL2") originally. After landfall, a series of
runs of the Kaplan-DeMaria inland wind decay model was performed. These gave
62 kt at 12Z on the 7th, 45 kt at 18Z, 36 kt at 00Z on the 8th, and 39 kt at
06Z (just before it emerged over water again). Highest observed winds within
two hours of synoptic time were 56 kt (Tallahassee) at 12Z, 56 kt (Albany) at
18Z, 35 kt at 00Z on the 8th and 40 kt at 06Z. Intensities after landfall are
thus estimated to be 70 kt at 12Z, 60 kt at 18Z, 45 kt at 00Z on the 8th, and
40 kt at 06Z. This is 10 kt higher, the same, 10 kt lower, and 15 kt lower,
respectively, than the originally HURDAT. The intensities of 70 kt at 12Z on
the 7th and 60 kt at 18Z indicate that southern Georgia likely experienced
Category 1 hurricane conditions, thus "IGA1" is now indicated. This is
consistent with the reports of damaging wind-caused impacts in northwestern
Florida and southern Georgia. At 12Z on the 8th, the cyclone crossed
Charleston, which measured 5 kt SE and 1005 mb - thus allowing a central
pressure estimate at that time of 1004 mb. Around 12Z on the 8th, the cyclone
again moved back over water, reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The system
slightly reintensified back to 50 kt by 00Z on the 10th. A pressure of 999 mb
with 25 kt NW was measured at 19Z on the 10th. This peripheral pressure
suggests an intensity of at least 45 kt from the north of 25N pressure-wind
relationship. 50 kt is retained at 18Z on the 10th. No intensity changes
were made from the 00Z on the 9th onward. Extratropical transition is
estimated to have occurred around 12Z on the 12th, based upon ship and
especially Bermuda's observations, which changed from 78F air temperature/75F
dewpoint on the 11th to 68F over 58F on the 12th along with a wind change from
SW 25 kt to NE 15 kt. Observations on the 13th indicate major position
alterations with the cyclone much farther northwest than originally shown.
Historical Weather Map and COADS observations suggest that the extratropical
cyclone was absorbed into a larger baroclinic system by the 14th. The
system's dissipation is consistent with the very high pressures of the two
nearby ships (1021 and 1022 mb) and Bermuda (1025 mb). Thus the 14th is
removed from HURDAT.
*******************************************************************************
1941 Storm 6
31780 10/15/1941 M= 8 6 SNBR= 700 NOT NAMED XING=1 SSS=0 L
31785 10/15* 0 0 0 0*207 690 35 0*210 699 35 0*213 710 35 0*
31785 10/15* 0 0 0 0*207 690 25 0*210 699 25 0*213 710 25 0*
** ** **
31790 10/16*217 721 35 0*221 732 35 0*225 744 35 0*228 757 35 0*
31790 10/16*217 721 25 0*221 731 25 0*225 741 25 0*228 752 25 0*
** *** ** *** ** *** **
31795 10/17*231 771 35 0*234 787 35 0*236 800 35 0*237 808 40 0*
31795 10/17*231 765 25 0*234 781 25 0*236 798 25 0*238 813 25 0*
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** *** **
31800 10/18*239 817 40 0*243 826 40 0*248 834 40 0*255 840 40 0*
31800 10/18*242 826 25 0*247 834 25 0*252 840 30 0*258 844 30 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** ** *** *** **
31805 10/19*261 842 40 0*268 843 45 0*274 843 45 0*281 842 45 0*
31805 10/19*265 845 35 0*272 844 40 0*277 843 45 0*279 842 45 0*
*** *** ** *** *** ** *** ***
31810 10/20*289 839 45 0*293 835 40 0*296 831 40 0*297 827 35 0*
31810 10/20*282 838 45 0*286 833 40 0*290 830 40 1004*294 830 35 0*
*** *** *** *** *** *** **** *** ***
31815 10/21*297 824 35 0*296 819 30 0*293 817 30 0*289 817 25 0*
31815 10/21*295 829 35 0*294 828 35 0*291 826 30 0*290 823 25 0*
*** *** *** *** ** *** *** *** ***
31820 10/22*285 818 25 0*281 821 20 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
31820 10/22*288 821 25 0*284 820 20 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0*
*** *** *** ***
31825 TS
U.S. Tropical Storm Landfall
-------------------------------------
10/20 14Z 29.2N 83.0W 40 kt FL
Minor track changes and minor intensity changes are analyzed for this
tropical storm that made landfall in Florida. A major change was the delay
of intensification to a tropical storm by almost four days from that
originally shown in HURDAT. Evidence for these alterations comes from the
Historical Weather Maps Series, the COADS ship database, Monthly Weather
Review, and USWB/NHC microfilm of synoptic weather maps.
October 14: HWM indicates that a trough or tropical wave stretches from the
Atlantic into the Caribbean across eastern Dominican Republic. An old frontal
boundary is located the north of the eastern Caribbean across latitude 23N.
October 15: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most1010mb
near 21N, 70W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at 21N,
69.9W at 12Z. Micro shows a trough or tropical wave located along longitude
68-70W. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No
gales or low pressures.
October 16: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1010mb
near 23N, 73.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds at
22.5N, 74.4W at 12Z. Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most
1011mb near 25N, 72W at 12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures.
Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
October 17: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1010mb
near 23.5N, 80W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 35kt winds near
at 23.6N, 80W at 12Z. Micro does not show an organized low pressure system.
Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or
low pressures. "It had developed from a wave of low pressure and squally
weather that moved across the southern Bahamas and through the Florida
Straits a few days previously." (MWR).
October 18: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1015mb
near 24N, 83.5W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at
24.8N, 83.4W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 26N, 85.5W
(pm). Micro does not show an organized low pressure system. Ship highlights:
No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales or low pressures.
"The first indications of a definite circulation in connection with this
slight tropical disturbance were noted about 100 miles off the west Florida
coast on the night of October 18-19" (MWR).
October 19: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1015mb
near 28N, 85W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 45kt winds at
27.4N, 84.3W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 27N, 85W (am).
Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 1005mb near 25N, 84.6W at
12Z. Ship highlights: 40kt WSW with a pressure of 1002mb at 27.9N, 83.4W at
12Z (MWR/USWB). Station highlights: No gales or low pressures. "On the
morning of October 19, a ship, 50 miles west of Tampa, reported a west-
southwest wind of 45 miles per hour and a barometer reading of 1002.4mb."
(MWR)
October 20: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1010mb
near 29N, 83W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Storm with 40kt winds at
29.6N, 83.1W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29N, 84W (am).
Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 1008mb near 28.9N, 83W at
12Z. Ship highlights: No gales or low pressures. Station highlights: No gales
or low pressures. "From this location the storm center then moved north-
northwestward and passed inland at Cedar Key, about noon of the 20th, where
the lowest barometer reading was 1005.8mb." (MWR)
October 21: HWM indicates a Tropical Storm with a pressure of at most 1015mb
near 29N, 83W. HURDAT lists this as a Tropical Depression with 30kt winds at
29.3N, 81.7W at 12Z. The MWR Tracks of lows showed a center at 29N, 82W (am).
Micro shows a closed low pressure system of at most 1011mb near 29N, 82.5W at
12Z. Ship highlights: 35kt N with a pressure of 1009mb at Cross City at 0Z.
35kt ENE with a pressure of 1010mb at Cross City at 06Z. Station highlights:
No gales or low pressures. "Available observations show no winds over
moderate gale force (40 to 50 miles per hour) during the progress of this
storm. Torrential rains (10 to 15 inches) occurred at several points near the
center as the disturbance stalled and dissipated over northern Florida. A
report from Ocala lists the death of a 6-weeks-old infant, hurled 100 feet
from its basket, and injury to both parents when their home was demolished by
high winds. This report indicates the formation of a small and short-lived
tornado rather than any highly destructive winds resulting directly from the
tropical disturbance. All other reported damage resulted from flooding due to
the excessive rains" (MWR).
October 22: HWM indicates a SW-NE trough over the Florida peninsula. HURDAT
lists this as a Tropical Depression with 20kt winds at 28.1N, 82.1W at 06Z
(last position). Micro shows a closed low pressure of at most 1014mb near
27.5N, 82W at 12Z.
"The second disturbance was of slight intensity and formed over the Gulf west
of Florida during the night of the 18-19th. It moved north-northeastward and
passed inland at Cedar Key about noon of the 20th. Wind velocities in
connection with this distance never exceeded 40 to 50 mph, and no damage of
importance resulted from wind. The lowest barometer reading at Cedar Key was
29.70 inches at time of passage of the center. After passing inland the
disturbance stalled over northern Florida between Cross City and Gainesville
and gradually died out, but in the process produced torrential rains of 10 to
more than 20 inches over a broad belt extending from the Cedar Key-Cross City
area eastward to St. Augustine and over the area east of the St. Johns River
from Jacksonville southward to Titusville. These rains flooded highways,
washed out small bridges, damaged streets and drainage systems of towns, and
did extensive damage to recently plated truck crops and seed beds. It has not
been possible to get a reliable estimate of the damage, but it will in the
aggregate reach several hundred thousand dollars."
No changes to the timing of genesis of this tropical storm. Minor track
changes were introduced for all days of its existence except for the 15th when
no changes were made. HURDAT initially started the system as a 35 kt
tropical storm. However, numerous ship and land-based observations clearly
indicate the cyclone was a tropical depression around 25 kt for the first
three days of its existence. The vortex was quite weak from the 15th through
the 18th and it was not clear if a closed circulation was even present late on
the 17th and early on the 18th. Given the ambiguity of the observations, the
system is retained as a tropical cyclone late on the 17th and early on the
18th. The system began intensifying and became better organized late on the
18th and it is estimated that the cyclone reached tropical storm intensity
around 00Z on the 19th. This is 90 hours after development to a tropical
storm as originally shown in HURDAT - a major change. A ship measured 40 kt
WSW with 1002 mb on the morning of the 19th. This supports maximum winds of
at least 40 kt from the Brown et al. north of 25N pressure-wind relationship.
Intensity is retained at 45 kt at 12Z on the 19th through 00Z on the 20th.
This was the previous peak in intensity for this cyclone, which is unchanged.
During the 20th, the cyclone moved north-northeastward and made landfall near
Cedar Key, Florida around 14Z at 29.2N 83.0W. Cedar Key observed a minimum
of 1006 mb with 20 kt SW at 15Z. A central pressure of 1004 mb is thus
derived, which suggests a landfall intensity of 36 kt from the north of 25N
pressure-wind relationship. Peak observed winds at and after landfall were
30 kt N with 1009 mb at 00Z and 30 kt ENE with 1010 mb at 06Z at Cross City,
Florida. Landfall intensity is thus estimated to be 40 kt. Decay to
tropical depression occurred around 12Z on the 21st (based upon these Cross
City measurements), which is 18 hours after that shown in HURDAT originally.
Dissipation after 06Z on the 22nd is unchanged.
*******************************************************************************
Additional Notes:
1. September 30-October 2: The Historical Weather Maps, microfilm, and
COADS data indicate that a broad trough of low pressure occurred over the
western Caribbean on the 30th of September. This moved west-northwestward
across Central America on the 1st of October and into the Gulf of Mexico on
the 2nd. The disturbance dissipated on the 3rd. While the system was shown in
HWM as a low on the 1st and 2nd and in the microfilm at 12 and 18Z on the 2nd,
observations do not indicate that the system ever developed a well-defined
closed low. Additionally, the system did not have any low pressures or
tropical storm force winds. Thus this system is not added into HURDAT.
(Note that on the 30th, while this system was over the western Caribbean,
Storm #4 was weakening over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and then
dissipated after 18Z on this date. The HWM analysis mistakenly combined
Storm #4 with this disturbance.)
Date Location Status
Sep. 30 85W Trough
Oct. 1 90W Trough
Oct. 2 92W Trough
2. Historical Weather Maps and COADS data depict a non-tropical low pressure
system over the northeast Atlantic during the first week of November. The
system is first detected on Nov 1 between Newfoundland and the Azores with a
cold front stretching southwest of the center and a warm from stretching to
the southeast. During the next few days it moves towards the southeast over
warmer waters and begins to occlude. During this time ships in the area show
pressures below 1000 mb but also air temperatures in the 50s and 60s. By
November 4 it is a large system near 35N 33W, over 500 miles southwest of the
Azores and gale-force winds are being reported in the islands. This indicates
that the system was still non-tropical but the temperatures to its west are
warmer as a ship reports 72F. On the 5th and 6th, the low pressure system
stalls southwest of the Azores but there are no ships near the center. Later
on the 6th it begins to move northeast and passes over the Azores on the 7th.
The pressure in the city of Horta dropped to 985 mb and gusts of at least 62
mph were reported in the Azores, according to the MWR. On the 8th the system
moves away from the Azores farther into the NE Atlantic and it loses
definition on the 9th near the coast of Portugal. While on the 7th, as the
system passed through the Azores, it maintained a very large outer
circulation consistent with an occluded low. But the low pressure with
strong winds at about the same time suggests that a mesoscale inner core had
developed. Unfortunately, the information available is not enough to
determine if this system was a tropical or subtropical storm and therefore,
it is not added to HURDAT. Possible similar storms that could be analogs are
Tropical Storm Grace, 2009, and Hurricane Nicole, 1998.
"In the eastern North Atlantic a storm seems to have formed about the 1st and
during the forenoon of the 2nd was indicated as having attained considerable
strength, while central a short distance to west-southwest of the western
Azores. The course was apparently to south-eastward during the next 3 days,
then from the 5th to the 7th it returned northward and on the 7th was central
over the island of Fayal. Afterward the movement was eastward, with
apparently less intensity, and on the 11th the center was close to northern
Portugal. Much of the information about this storm has been received from lt.
Col. J. Agostinho, Director of the Meteorological Service of the Azores, who
reports that gusts of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour or more were noted
locally on the islands." MWR, pg 339.
DAY LAT LON STATUS
Nov 1 40N 42W Extratropical
Nov 2 38N 34W Extratropical
Nov 3 36N 33W Extratropical
Nov 4 35N 33W Extratropical
Nov 5 33N 31W Extratropical
Nov 6 33N 33W Extratropical
Nov 7 38N 29W Extratropical/Subtropical?
Nov 8 41N 21W Extratropical
Nov 9 44N 11W Extratropical